UN Security Council, China’s Xi decry Davao blast

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned in the strongest terms the Davao explosion last Friday that killed at least 15 people and injured 60 more, saying it stands united with the Philippines to bring the perpetrators to justice.

READ: Bloody Friday in Davao

In a statement on Monday, the UNSC said “the Secretary-General stresses the need to ensure accountability and to bring to justice the perpetrators of these terrorist attacks.”

“The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. He stands with the Government and people of the Philippines,” said the UNSC statement.

READ: UN chief on Davao bombing: Bring perpetrators to justice

At the same time, Chinese President Xi Jinping wrote a letter to President Rodrigo Duterte saying China is committed to assisting the government in addressing problems of terrorism.

“Shocked to learn of the terrorist explosion incident in Davao City of the Philippines, I am writing to Your Excellency, on behalf of the Chinese Government and the Chinese people, and in my own name, to express my deep condolences to the deceased civilians and my heartfelt sympathy to the injured and the families of the victims,” said Xi in a letter to Duterte on Sunday, a copy of which was sent to reporters by the Chinese embassy in Manila.

Xi also assured that China stands ready to work with the international community including the Philippines to combat terrorism and maintain peace and stability.

“China is firmly opposed to terrorism in all forms and strongly condemn the violent terrorist acts targeting innocent civilians,” said Xi in the same letter.

Earlier, the US, UK, Canada and Australia warned its citizens to exercise extreme caution when traveling to Mindanao including Davao City.

At the same time, the US Embassy in Manila has suspended all travels to Mindanao, saying “ there is a direct threat to U.S. citizens or interests in the Philippines.”

The European Union, Japan and France  earlier expressed condolences to the victims of the bloody terrorist attack in Davao. RAM/rga